Human Rights Commission welcomes Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care: "An important moment in the history of human rights"

Human Rights Commission welcomes Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care: "An important moment in the history of human rights"

February 1, 2018

The Human Rights Commission has welcomed today’s announcement by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister for Children Tracey Martin that there will be a Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care.

“I would like to pay tribute to those New Zealanders who stepped forward to share their personal stories of abuse: we are here because of them,” said Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy.

“Today’s Royal Commission of Inquiry announcement is an important moment in the history of human rights in Aotearoa. We are looking forward to working with survivors, their families, supporters and Government as we look back at the past with honesty, empathy and a determination to make sure this abuse can never happen again.”

Dame Susan and Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero will continue to work with survivors, their supporters and Government as the Royal Commission of Inquiry process gets underway.